Hotpot, also known as Chinese fondue, is a popular communal meal in China and other East Asian countries. It is a perfect way to enjoy a cozy night with friends or family, especially during the winter season. If you have never tried hotpot before, you might be intimidated by the unfamiliar ingredients and cooking methods. However, with this comprehensive guide on how to eat hotpot, you will be able to enjoy this delicious and fun meal like a pro.
What is Hotpot?
Hotpot is a Chinese dish that consists of a simmering pot of broth, in which various ingredients such as thinly sliced meat, seafood, vegetables, and noodles are cooked. The pot is placed in the center of the table, and diners cook their own food in the broth using chopsticks or small strainers. The cooked food is then dipped in a sauce before eating.
Types of Hotpot
There are several types of hotpot, depending on the broth used and the ingredients. The most common types of hotpot are:
- Spicy hotpot: This type of hotpot uses a spicy and numbing broth made with Sichuan peppercorns, chili peppers, and other spices.
- Clear broth hotpot: This type of hotpot uses a clear and mild broth made with chicken or pork bones.
- Tomato hotpot: This type of hotpot uses a tomato-based broth, which is slightly sour and sweet.
- Mushroom hotpot: This type of hotpot uses a broth made with various mushrooms, which gives it a rich and earthy flavor.
Tips on How to Eat Hotpot
- Choose the right ingredients: When selecting ingredients for your hotpot, choose fresh and high-quality meats, seafood, and vegetables. Thinly sliced meats and seafood cook quickly and absorb the flavor of the broth better. Vegetables should be sliced thinly and evenly to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cook the ingredients in the right order: Cook the ingredients that require longer cooking time first, such as root vegetables and tougher cuts of meat. Then, add delicate ingredients such as seafood and leafy vegetables at the end.
- Dip the cooked food in the sauce: Once the food is cooked, dip it in the sauce before eating. The sauce can be made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, scallions, and other ingredients, depending on your preference.
- Drink soup from the pot: After cooking the ingredients, the broth becomes rich and flavorful. Drink it directly from the pot to enjoy the full flavor of the hotpot.
Hotpot Etiquettes
- Do not double-dip: When dipping the cooked food in the sauce, do not double dip. Use a fresh spoon or chopsticks each time.
- Do not waste food: Choose only the amount of food you can eat to avoid wasting food.
- Do not overcook the food: Overcooking the food will make it tough and rubbery. Follow the cooking time guidelines for each ingredient.
- Do not cross the chopsticks: When not in use, place your chopsticks parallel to each other on the chopstick rest. Crossing the chopsticks is considered rude.
Hotpot Recommendations
- Hai Di Lao Hot Pot: Hai Di Lao is a popular hotpot chain in China, known for its excellent service and high-quality ingredients.
- Little Sheep Mongolian Hot Pot: Little Sheep is a Mongolian-style hotpot chain that has branches in several countries, including the United States.
- Shu Guo Yin Xiang Hot Pot: Shu Guo Yin Xiang is a chain of hotpot restaurants in China that specializes in Sichuan-style spicy hot
